On the Road in Beverly Hills, CA

BEVERLY HILLS, CA – Vanessa Jezin, associate editor – Living in Los Angeles can definitely have its perks; great shopping, to-die-for restaurants, and some of the best spas and salons in the country. After reading rave reviews about Paint Shop, which is located just 20 minutes from NAILS’ corporate office, I had to stop in for a visit.

I relaxed in oversized chairs with lots of comfortable pillows designed by owner Domingo Serquinia, while I received my Dharma Roots Pedicure.

Paint Shop, which touts itself as a nail spa, is known for its unique dharma pedicures. Based on 4,000 years of body wisdom from India, dharma, which means path in Sanskrit, is designed to energize the chakras (any one of several points of physical or spiritual energy in the human body according to yoga philosophy) through intense foot massage. Paint Shop further connects you to your chosen chakra, offering four varieties, with coordinating lacquer colors.

Since I picked out a red lacquer, owner Julie Serquinia suggested I get the Dharma Roots Pedicure, which is grounding, centers energy, draws upon the power of our most basic nature, and is associated with the color red. Julie developed the idea for the pedicures with local yoga studios in the area that use chakra paths in their practices. Julie decided to extend that into her pedicure services. Owners Domingo and Julie aimed to have a nail salon that was not only inviting, but made you feel as if you were at home. Before I got comfortable in the oversized chair designed by Domingo, Julie fed me homemade chocolate chip cookies and handed me a virgin margarita. I was ready to become grounded.

The warm staff adds to Paint Shop's peaceful ambiance.

My nail tech, Mary, began the service by soaking my feet in a tub of flowers and finished off with one of the most relaxing foot massages I’ve ever received. Mary has been a nail tech for more than 20 years and not only did she give me one of the best pedicures I’ve ever had, she also had me laughing the whole time, which actually relaxed me. I can see why they’ve already developed a large clientele, including some celebrities, in the 10 short months the salon has been open. This is definitely one of the “in” places to hang out when you want to mix pampering with spirituality; I didn’t want to leave!

I relaxed in oversized chairs with lots of comfortable pillows, designed by owner Domingo Serquinia, while I received my Dharma Roots Pedicure.